The first game (2003) was perhaps the most memorable as the Cougars defeated an Oklahoma State team that advanced to the 2004 NCAA Final Four. Rafael Araujo had a dominant performance as he posted a monster double-double with 32 points and 17 rebounds.

Friday was an off day for BYU as the Cougars prepare to take on Syracuse in the final game of the Hukilau Invitational on Saturday. Syracuse had its six-game winning streak snapped in an 80-74 loss to Arizona on Friday. The loss was the Orange’s (6-1) first of the season, while Arizona improved to (6-1).

Day five in Hawaii began with a shoot-around at BYU-Hawaii as the Cougars prepared for a big game with Pac 12 foe Arizona. After a traditional island-style lunch from Hukilau Café and some rest, BYU returned to the Cannon Activities Center for game two of the Hukilau Invitational. Led by sophomore Kim Parker‘s career-high 25 points, the Cougars downed the Wildcats 82-73.

Wednesday was an off day for the women’s basketball team which meant an early morning practice at the “old gym” on the BYU-Hawaii campus.

After practice and a quick change at the hotel, the Cougars headed to Haleiwa on the northwest side of Oahu for a short paddleboard and surf lesson. Then it was off to Kua’ Aina for burgers and fries as well as Matsumotos Grocery Store for its world famous shaved ice.

A year after graduating the greatest guard tandem in BYU history, the contributions post players Brandon Davies and Noah Hartsock cannot be understated so far this season. Hartsock leads the Cougars in scoring (16.8 per game), blocks (2.0) and minutes (32.3), is second in rebounding (5.7), third in steals (1.0) and fourth in assists (2.0). Davies is third in scoring (12.0), rebounding (5.5) and assists (2.7) and second in blocks (1.0) and steals (1.2).

Day three on the north shore began with breakfast catered by the Hukilau Café and a shoot around at the “old gym” on the BYU-Hawaii campus. After a little rest and relaxation back at the Turtle Bay Resort, the Cougars returned to the BYUH campus to take on the Seasiders in the first game of the Hukilau Invitational at the Cannon Activities Center.

BYU began the day with a spirited practice at the Cannon Activities Center on the campus of BYU-Hawaii. After a light weightlifting session, the Cougars headed to Papa Ole’s Kitchen in nearby Hau’ula for some island cuisine. The menu included a wide variety of “ono grinds” (local favorites) including ribs, garlic chicken, teriyaki chicken, stew, mahi mahi and of course rice and island macaroni salad.